'The Gifts of the Magi," a Christmas musical directed by Larry Evans at the Riverside Inn and Dinner Theatre, blends two O. Henry stories.

In "The Gift of the Magi," impoverished Jim and Della must each give up a cherished treasure to give the other the perfect Christmas gift. "The Cop and the Anthem" involves the homeless Soapy, who hopes to spend Christmas in jail. Maribeth McCarthy discusses the show.

How the Stories Fit

"As Jim is constantly looking for a job and unable to find one, they bring in Soapy to explain his way of life. He puts the bug in Jim's ear to maybe move away, and that adds conflict. When he actually is given the opportunity to travel and leave Della, of course, he doesn't do it. ... It just goes to reinforce the fact that as cliché as it may sound, love really does overcome all."

Songs

"The music fits the show very, very well, and we've added a few different things like 'Let There Be Peace on Earth,' which is how we always end the show."

Multiple Characters

"Ciaran (Cavanaugh) and I each play at least 10 different characters. It's so fun, and it's quick. We have more costumes than anybody because every time we go offstage we have to throw something else on and come back. We love that kind of theater."

Christmas at Riverside

"I love being at the Riverside at Christmas. First of all, it's just gorgeous, and my first show there was at Christmas, so it has a very special place in my heart."

MESSAGE

"Sometimes you have the means to help another person, and sometimes you don't, but if you think about it, there's always something you can give someone else, even if it's just a hope, even if it's just a kind word. ... To think of the absolute love you must have for another person to give up that one thing that's so completely special to you, that speaks to everyone."